March 16, 2018

During Women’s History Month, Reps. Lee & Poliquin Lead Bipartisan Effort to Issue Quarters Honoring Prominent American Women

This bill, written to coincide with the centennial of the 19th Amendment, celebrates the heroic and landmark accomplishments of American women

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) and Bruce Poliquin (R-ME-02) introduced H.R. 5308, landmark legislation directing the U.S. Treasury to issue quarters, one from each of the 50 states and the U.S. territories, to honor women who have made significant contributions to America. The governor or executive of each state or territory would recommend a design to the Treasury, in consultation with various stakeholders. If enacted, the quarter program would coincide with the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

“Since our nation’s founding, women have played an instrumental role in shaping this country – even though their sacrifices and accomplishments have often gone unrecognized by history,” said Congresswoman Lee. “This important bill, introduced during Women’s History Month, is designed to correct this historic wrong. By uplifting women on our currency, Americans will have an opportunity to learn more about the unsung pioneers who built the United States. In the coming weeks and months, I hope my constituents and people across the country will provide input on the remarkable women they would like to see celebrated.”

“Our great nation was built and shaped by courageous, pioneering and bold women,” said Congressman Poliquin. “In Maine, we are tremendously proud to be the home of some of the most influential lawmakers in our Nation’s history, with the great Margaret Chase Smith and former Senator Olympia Snowe. Their leadership, and the leadership of women across our nation and throughout our history, inspire us all. I’m grateful to join with my colleague Barbara Lee in putting forward this proposal to honor the great women of America.”

"By using a credible, legitimate and thoughtful process of educational and community stakeholder outreach similar to the currency redesign process in 2015, this program could provide the first-ever opportunity to institutionalize historical American women into classrooms across the country since curriculum standards are primarily determined at the state level,” said former Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios.

The text of the legislation is available here.

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